This first level, RFID Institute Certified Associate, is designed to enable companies hiring an employee with that credential to know that the candidate has a fundamental knowledge of the different types of RFID systems and how they are used in business and consumer applications. This essentially replaces CompTIA's now-defunct RFID+ certification, which was withdrawn two years ago (see Why the RFID Industry Needs a Certification Program).

The second level, RFID Institute Certified Professional, also covers all types of RFID systems, but in greater depth. The credential holder would have demonstrated a deep understanding of the different types of RFID systems. The third level, RFID Institute Certified Specialist, includes several exams, each focused on a specific type of RFID technology, and is designed to show that the certification holder possesses the detailed knowledge and skills to deploy the type of RFID technology for which he or she is credentialed. The aim here is to go beyond knowledge of textbook RFID facts and show that the candidate understands—and can overcome—deployment issues for each type of technology.

The fourth level, RFID Institute Certified Expert, is designed to highlight the level of knowledge attained by someone who has passed all of the Certified Specialist exams, as well as the Certified Associate and Certified Professional exams. It thus demonstrates the ability to deploy any type of RFID system.

The International RFID Institute has drafted and approved a process for creating exams, thereby ensuring that the process is fair, rigorous and repeatable. For the first exam (Certified Associate), we created a blueprint, solicited feedback from the community, revised the draft and approved it. Subject-matter experts, recruited from around the world, contributed questions for the test. Other subject-matter experts have been editing the questions and assembling them into the initial version of that exam.

Our main goal in offering the first certification exam at LIVE! 2014 is to test its validity. We want to determine if any questions are poorly worded and need to be revised. The certification committee charged with developing the exam might also change the content and format based on feedback from test participants. If the exam changes substantially, test participants will be able to retake it within 12 months, free of charge. (I don't expect that to happen.) Anyone wishing to take the test can register at our website, but seats are limited so don't wait.

As RFID adoption becomes widespread across many industries during the next decade, there will be a growing need for well-trained and experienced people to design and implement RFID systems. The International RFID Institute believes both end users and systems integrators will benefit from the certificate exams. Companies will feel confident they are hiring someone who can ensure their deployment will be successful, and certificate holders will be more likely to land a job.

USER COMMENTS

Robert Gutho

2014-03-21 08:03:08 AM

Is there a study guide available for the exams?

Mark Roberti

2014-03-24 02:53:23 PM

There currently are no study guides as book and training companies have not had time yet to create these materials. But the online RFID Essentials training course we offer through RFID Revolution would help prepare you for the exam, as would the Fast-Track Deployment Training offered at the event by RFID4U.

Johannes Becker

2014-04-07 08:09:24 AM

I like the idea of the RFID certification.
Will this certification be available outside the US? If so, in which languages? How do plan to conduct the tests, in person or online?

Login and post your comment!

Not a member?

Signup for an account now to access all of the features of RFIDJournal.com!